Imphal: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 59-year-old advocate and Thadou Literature Society chairman Nehkam Jomhao, calling it an attack on peace and unity in the region.

Jomhao was assassinated on August 30 at his residence in Chonghang Veng, Manja, Karbi Anglong. According to COCOMI, the killing was carried out by extremists linked to Chin-Kuki militant groups UKDA and KRA. His mutilated body was allegedly thrown into a nearby river and has yet to be recovered.

Describing Jomhao as “a respected advocate for peace,” COCOMI said his participation in the August 6 “Road to Peace – Covenant of Community Understanding” in Imphal reflected his commitment to reconciliation among communities. The organisation alleged that such peaceful voices are being deliberately targeted by “narco-terrorist networks” seeking to destabilise Manipur and silence those calling for unity.

“This tragedy is not an isolated incident but part of a calculated suppression of collective will,” COCOMI said in a statement, warning that networks of militants, strategists and financiers must be dismantled rather than focusing only on individual arrests. Six suspects have so far been taken into custody.

The committee also criticised the Government of India for what it called a failed policy of appeasement. It argued that Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with groups like KRA and UKDA have allowed militant factions to operate with impunity, shielding them under the cover of peace talks while indigenous communities continue to face violence.

COCOMI appealed to all communities in Manipur to stand together against extremism. “This is a time for solidarity, resilience and unyielding resolve,” the group said, adding that Jomhao’s death should serve as a call to renew the struggle for peace and unity.

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